Fifteen participants of a tour guiding educational course were recently awarded certificates from the Ministry of Tourism and Transport on Wednesday July 30.

Director general for tourism development in the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr Michel Nalletamby, presented the certificates to the participants, who consisted mainly of representatives from various destination management companies, such as Creole Holidays and Seven Degrees South, but also included some independent operators.

The 25-day course covered different modules of tourism, such as working as a tour guide, tourism theory and the geography, history and environment of Seychelles. The course also featured practical sessions in which participants were able to apply what they had learned in the classroom.

Mrs Wendy Didon, Director of Human Resource Development for the Ministry of Tourism said that the course is an example of the ministry's support towards increasing the level of qualified personnel in the tourism sector.

"The success of the tourism industry lies in the degree of competence of the tourism workforce," Mrs Didon said.  "It is very important for all players to make every effort possible to develop the know-how, expertise and respective responsibilities."

Mrs Didon also thanked Jill Tirant, co-ordinator of the course, for her devotion in making sure the course ran smoothly.

A representative from 7° South who participated in the course said that, although it was challenging, with the help and guidance he got from of the facilitators he had managed to complete the course successfully.

"The onus is now on the tour guides who are at the delivery end, indirectly selling and marketing Seychelles to people from all over the world," Mrs Didon said.  "(Tour guides) have the responsibility to impress and exceed visitors' expectations and make a contribution towards the successful development of our tourism sector."

Mrs Didon also pledged her ministry's continuing assistance for those in tourism to become experts in their field.  She specifically mentioned the ministry's development of a handbook, which should be ready by the end of the year, that she said could be used by tour guides to guide them in their work. 

Mrs Didon said that the ministry intends to organise similar tour guiding courses in the future.

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